Searching for Bobby Fischer?

Strangler Lewis · 01-18-2008, 06:11 AM

Well, he's dead. What an idiot.

Still, it takes one back. In 1972, my dad and I watched the dreary Shelby Lyman-hosted PBS "coverage" of his match with Boris Spassky and plotted out the games on a board at home. My dad had actually played Fischer at the Marshall Chess Club some years earlier. (It was a simultaneous exhibition, and, of course, Fischer won.) At the time, the Fischer-Spassky match seemed up there with the moon landing as an American advance of international importance.

But, again, what an idiot.

Or, what a sad, sick man.

scaeagles · 01-18-2008, 08:32 AM

Probably both. I see him as an example of the mad genius - no one could doubt his brilliance, and no one could deny his excentricities that made him so reprehensible.

CoasterMatt · 01-18-2008, 12:23 PM

I just thought he had mad wicked chess skillz.

Peachy Keen · 01-21-2008, 04:53 PM

It makes me think of a friend of mine who coined the phrase, "Searching for Bobbitt's Pischer"

Motorboat Cruiser · 01-21-2008, 05:20 PM

I've heard it suggested in recent days that his antisemitism and other ravings may have simply been a result of paranoia brought on by severe mental illness, especially since he never was known to spout of such absurdities in his earlier years. I don't know whether it is true or not but it's an interesting theory.

01-18-2008, 06:11 AM	#1
Strangler Lewis Doing The Job Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: In a state Posts: 3,956	Searching for Bobby Fischer? Well, he's dead. What an idiot. Still, it takes one back. In 1972, my dad and I watched the dreary Shelby Lyman-hosted PBS "coverage" of his match with Boris Spassky and plotted out the games on a board at home. My dad had actually played Fischer at the Marshall Chess Club some years earlier. (It was a simultaneous exhibition, and, of course, Fischer won.) At the time, the Fischer-Spassky match seemed up there with the moon landing as an American advance of international importance. But, again, what an idiot. Or, what a sad, sick man. __________________ Live now-pay later. Diner's Club! Last edited by Strangler Lewis : 01-18-2008 at 06:58 AM.
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01-18-2008, 08:32 AM	#2
scaeagles I LIKE! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,819	Probably both. I see him as an example of the mad genius - no one could doubt his brilliance, and no one could deny his excentricities that made him so reprehensible.
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01-18-2008, 12:23 PM	#3
CoasterMatt BRAAAAAAAINS! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: One Step Beyond... Posts: 8,802	I just thought he had mad wicked chess skillz. __________________ Do you like my photography? Visit photosbymatt.tumblr.com to purchase prints!
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01-21-2008, 04:53 PM	#4
Peachy Keen Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 42	It makes me think of a friend of mine who coined the phrase, "Searching for Bobbitt's Pischer"
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01-21-2008, 05:20 PM	#5
Motorboat Cruiser Cruiser of Motorboats Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: So Cal Posts: 3,665	I've heard it suggested in recent days that his antisemitism and other ravings may have simply been a result of paranoia brought on by severe mental illness, especially since he never was known to spout of such absurdities in his earlier years. I don't know whether it is true or not but it's an interesting theory.
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